[eyedigress]

The onus is on the person that pulled the trigger.

If he does not understand firearm safety, he should not have one in his hand.

There may be more to this story but I would wager it is because he is an intolerant, abusive asshole.

He killed a young woman. His career is over.

[DiogenesLamp]

If the bullet was placed in that gun by a disgruntled Union employee as some sort of stunt, that man should also face the wrath of the law.

And yes, Alec should have personally checked any gun he intended to fire, but he's an anti-gun idiot and he hasn't the slightest clue how to properly handle a firearm.